Ukraine city of Bakhmut surrounded, say Russian mercenaries/CHH News24

Russian forces claim to have the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut surrounded, in what would be their biggest military victory in six months.

Ukraine's President Zelensky has acknowledged that his troops are under significant pressure in the region, and said that troops may have to pull out of the city.

The Wagner mercenary group has spearheaded the offensive in the eastern Donetsk region, and according to UK intelligence, they have made further advances into northern suburbs of Bakhmut, making the Ukraine-held section of the city vulnerable to Russian attacks on three sides.

The head of Russia's Wagner private army claims it is "practically encircled" with limited routes out.

But, the deputy mayor of the city Oleksandr Marchenko told the CHH News24 Russia was not yet in control, despite constant shelling.